Book Review: 15 Summers Later by RaeAnne Thayne – A Heartfelt Tale of Sisterhood and Healing @raeannethayne @HarlequinBooks #canarystreetpress

“15 Summers Later” highlights the compelling journey of two sisters overcoming their shared traumatic past.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing/Canary Street Press and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

From The Publisher:

15 summers ago, everything changed…

Ava Howell seemed to have it all. She moved away from Emerald Creek, Idaho, married the love of her life and published a bestselling memoir. But she never expected that her husband would feel so betrayed by a secret from her past—the truth of what happened to her and her sister all those years ago—that he’d walk away. Now Ava is back home and trying to move on with the only person who can truly understand…

Following years of healing, Madison Howell is finally happy. After college she built a no-kill shelter where she works with animals every day, and she’s in love with the town veterinarian, Dr. Luke Gentry. But she can’t ever bring herself to tell him. Years ago, his dad died protecting Madi and her sister, so how could he ever love her back?

With the truth laid bare, and the past that Ava and Madison have worked so hard to leave behind threatening everything they have built for themselves, the Howell sisters’ reunion is bittersweet. And as Ava and Madi attempt to remedy the rifts in their lives and reconcile their futures, they must face the demons of their past together.

My Thoughts:

As someone who adores stories about the unique bond between sisters, “15 Summers Later” by RaeAnne Thayne truly captivated me. This poignant tale of Ava and Madison Howell, two sisters who survived a harrowing past, drew me in from the very first page and held me until the very end.

The novel opens with Ava Howell, who seemed to have it all—she moved away from Emerald Creek, married the love of her life, and published a bestselling memoir. Yet, the secret of what happened to her and Madison fifteen summers ago shatters her seemingly perfect life, further compounded by her husband’s departure for work. Ava returns to Emerald Creek, seeking solace and understanding, only to confront the unresolved tensions with her sister.

Madison Howell, on the other hand, has channeled her past into a positive future, fulfilling her dream of running a no-kill animal shelter. Working alongside Dr. Luke Gentry, the town’s veterinarian, and a long-time friend, Madison’s life appears settled. However, the shadow of the past looms large, especially since Luke’s father died protecting the Howell sisters. Madison’s silent love for Luke and her fear of revealing the truth add layers of emotional complexity to her character.

The heart of the story lies in the reunion of the Howell sisters and their struggle to confront their past while trying to build their futures. Ava’s decision to reveal their traumatic history in her memoir—a decision that Madison cannot forgive—sets the stage for a bittersweet exploration of their relationship. Thayne skillfully unravels the trauma they endured, allowing readers to gradually understand the depth of their experiences and the strength of their bond.

One of the aspects I loved most about this book was the small-town vibe and the beautifully described rural setting of Emerald Creek. The charm of the town and its close-knit community provided a comforting backdrop to the unfolding drama. The developing romance between Madison and Luke was heartwarming, adding a layer of hope and new beginnings to the narrative.

Thayne’s characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to empathize with their struggles and triumphs. Ava’s conflict over her marriage and Madison’s dedication to her shelter work create a rich tapestry of personal and professional challenges that many readers can relate to. The emotional depth of the story, combined with the realistic portrayal of the sisters’ relationship, makes this novel a compelling read.

Final Thoughts:

“15 Summers Later” is not just a story of survival and healing but also of forgiveness and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood. It’s a wonderful reminder that while the past shapes us, it’s the courage to face it together that defines our future. If you’re looking for an emotional, heartwarming read with a touch of romance and a strong sense of place, this book is a perfect choice.

Other Books I’ve Reviewed Written by RaeAnne Thayne:

Christmas At The Shelter Inn

All Is Bright

Coming Home For Christmas